Something big is coming to the Cleveland Browns at the defensive end. I feel it. GM Andrew Berry and the Browns brass typically do a masterful job of hiding their hand, but on this front it sure feels like they’ve shown they want to make a splash with the starting DE spot opposite Myles Garrett.
Maybe I’m just drinking too much tea leaves, but it’s hard not to have all the Berry & Co plates. to read.
And it even goes back to the last low season. Do you remember Jadeveon Clowney’s repeated courtship? The Browns were lucky to avoid that disappointment, but it wasn’t because they were trying to sign the big DE.
They tried again – reportedly – with JJ Watt. While exact details have never been confirmed, numerous reputable outlets featured the Browns as one of the main teams trying to lure the ex-Texan star. He decided to move to Arizona instead, on a bigger contract than expected.
On Tuesday they released Adrian Clayborn. The No. 3 DE last year is 32 and didn’t have a major impact on the Browns in his lone season in Cleveland, but he was signed up as a starter against Garrett. With Olivier Vernon awaiting a free agent and also in the early stages of recovery from a torn Achilles, the dumping of Clayborn leaves only Porter Gustin and Joe Jackson in that spot.
Nothing against Gustin or Jackson, but it’s hard to imagine they’re more than situational subordinates for the defense of a legitimate contender. Dropping Clayborn from the books frees up another $ 3 million to spend on someone who can make an impact on a Browns team with legitimate competitor status.
The big question now is: what is the move?
Is it a prominent veteran free agent, someone like Carl Lawson from Cincinnati or Shaq Barrett from Tampa Bay? The Browns have the room to make it happen and the appeal of being a worthy landing spot for a ring hunter.
Or will it be a design choice? The pass rush class doesn’t have any elite shiners, none that so far exceed the overall 11-20 range. The Browns are currently picking at number 26. Players such as Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari, versatile Tulsa standout Zaven Collins or erratic Penn State athlete Jayson Oweh should all be considered. Berry and the Browns have the ammo to trade in if they also have a specific target in mind.
It will be fun to see how it plays out and who will eventually become the new defensive ending. Expect it to be a significant move no matter which direction the Browns turn. They have laid out too many breadcrumbs for that path to not result in a big party.